IMPOSSIBLE DREAM COMES TRUE: THE 30^TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MINDEN WILD WATER PRESERVE

On September 13^th, 1980 the official opening of the Minden Wild Water Preserve took place at the Gull River. The ceremony, which was hosted by visionary Roger Parsons, was a culminating moment for a project that was started in May, 1977 by the Ontario Wild Water Affiliation (the predecessor of Whitewater Ontario). Thirty years later, the result of the work of these dedicated volunteers is one of admiration, respect, and gratitude for developing the Gull River into one of North America’s finest whitewater venues.  Since those opening ceremonies, the Gull has been the site of several National Championships and World Cups as well as numerous races and events. It is stretch of whitewater that has drawn paddlers from across our country and from other nations who have left knowing they have paddled in a very special place. 

Whitewater Ontario proudly salutes Roger Parsons and all of the volunteers who made this happen. We will continue to build on the vision that was established over thirty years ago and ensure that the Gull remains central to paddling in Ontario and that future generations will enjoy this beautiful river.

We will be posting some artefacts from the opening event on the WO website very shortly.

 GULL RIVER SUMMIT

 On October 16^th, Whitewater Ontario will be hosting its second annual ‘Gull River Summit’ at the Roger Parsons Centre. Our members and those in the paddling community who would like to become more involved in our organization are welcome to attend. The Summit is a working meeting based on our committee structure that helps to shape plans, initiatives, and projects for the coming year. We also discuss broader issues that are more general in nature but need member input.  More details will be coming but please circle that date. We will also be announcing shortly the date and location of our Annual General Meeting.

INFLUENCE

 Please find an update from Philip Kompass on the fight to preserve the Petawawa River on our website:

 http://www.whitewaterontario.ca/news/240-battle-to-save-the-petawawa-river-continues.html

 You can also keep track of updates with the facebook group:   http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=128443970517049&ref=ts 

 or at the blog:    http://www.petawawa-river.blogspot.com/

Whitewater Ontario wants to support paddlers’ efforts to preserve rivers such as the Petawawa. If you have a river access/preservation concern or issue, please email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  with details.  

 KING OF CLUBS

 King of the Clubs 2010 is here!! Most of the Membership Committee have been involved with masterminding this years competition together with some Ontario club leaders. Over 100 paddlers from Guelph Kayak Club, Kawartha Whitewater Paddlers, McMaster Whitewater, Georgian Bay Kayak Club, Petawawa River Rats, Western Kayak Club and Carleton University Kayak Club will be battling it out for the King of the Clubs 2010 title. Events take place Sunday September 5th on the Ottawa River and at River Run. If you are in the area, drop by and see what all the fuss is about. The cardboard boat race at the Lorne is a definite must-see. If you're club is not taking part this year, get ready for next year! If your club has not received your Whitewater Ontario stickers, please contact Donna at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

NATIONAL SLALOM CHAMPIONSHIPS

 A big thank you to all of our athletes, officials, and volunteers who helped to make the Slalom National Championships at the Gull such an amazing event. The athletes were blessed with perfect weather and water conditions resulting in a terrific competition. We had paddlers from four Canadian provinces competing as well as several from the US. David Ford (BC) retained his National KI championship and Sarah Boudens(ON) won her very first in KIW. Michael Tayler (ON) won both the KI and CI Junior Championships. Special thanks to the members of the Preserve committee who went out of their way to ensure that everyone had a very positive experience at the Gull. Thanks also to Colin Moneypenny for some great photos (samples below).  Additional photos taken by Colin at Nationals can be viewed at: www.flickr.com/photos/cmnypny/sets/72157624636451258/

MINDEN PRESERVE

 1. Finally water at the Gull. That meant more campers too and the grounds look great.

 2. The kissing bridge has been replaced with a new one in preparation for Andrew Phillip’s and Paula’s wedding Sept. 4^th. Best wishes to both!

 3. The successful Opportunities for Youth Program continues under the leadership of Russ Duhaime. Kids are meeting every Tuesday night to continue their interest in kayaking!!

 4. Well, the woodshed is empty. It will not be replenished until the fall-winter. There’s lots of downed woody debris that can be used but please do not cut any trees.

  5. As a reminder, there are camping rules. These will soon be posted at the kiosk entrance.   Stay tuned for the fall clean-up date of the Preserve

 PS . The President likes his new personal “rinse station’

 SASKATOON WHITEWATER PARK

 From our paddling friends in Saskatoon.....

 Saskatoon Water Park Update

 Hey there waterpark enthusiasts, we really need your vocal support now.  City council is waffling on the waterpark due to increased negativity from the naysayers (vocal minority). 

 There is going to be another public open house coming up soon.  So far two public open houses two years apart have not been enough to convince city councilors even though overwhelming support has been demonstrated at both.  As usual, those in opposition speak louder than those in favour.  Let’s make sure they hear from those in support. Now is the time to pen your thoughts or make that phone call to city councilors and MLAs (all if possible).  To contact city councilors or MLAs please go towww.whitewatergreenpower.com and follow the Count Me In link. As well, check out the city blog below – there are some good comments – please add yours.

 http://www.saskatooncitynews.ca/2010/08/proposed-hydropower-generation-at-weir.html#comments

 Enjoy these beautiful summer-like days and stay close to your favorite river.

All for now from Whitewater Ontario.